An Illinois House committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Tuesday, March 7, that would allow the court to appoint a 'special advocate' to represent the interests of animals during cases that involve the animal's health, safety, or an injury.

Both the House and Senate versions of legislation that would require Tennessee courts to prohibit custody of companion animals upon conviction for certain offenses involving animals will be heard in committees next week.  A problematic amendment that would establish mandatory lifetime bans will also be considered.  These bills are on the agendas of their respective […]

March 5, 2019 A bill slated to move quickly in the Iowa House of Representatives would make significant changes to the state’s breeder laws. While some changes are a positive advancement, there are many concerning provisions that could unnecessarily harm dogs and responsible dog owners and breeders. A subcommittee discussed House Study Bill 227 today, […]

The Ohio House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee has scheduled a public hearing on House Bill 79 for Wednesday, April 14.  This bill, sponsored by Representative Barbara Sears of Lucas County, removes the term "pit bull" from Ohio’s statutory definition of dangerous dogs.  Ohio is currently the only state to have enacted statewide breed-specific legislation.  […]

Texas House Bill 1355, authored by Representative Gattis, will be considered by the House County Affairs Committee, 2PM Wednesday, April 4, at the Capitol in Austin, Room E2.016. AKC’s Texas federation, the Responsible Pet Owners Alliance, has serious concerns about this bill, especially regarding the provision that a first-time offense would be considered a felony […]

Several dog-related bills will be considered by Rhode Island legislative committees this week. The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports both Senate Bill 2432, which seeks to prohibit the misrepresentation of a pet as a service dog, and Senate Bill 2133, which seeks to protect homeless persons in possession of a service animal from being denied […]

Monday, April 27, 2015 On Wednesday, April 29, the Rhode Island House’s Health, Education, and Welfare Committee will consider numerous bills that may impact dogs and their owners.  Of specific concern, House Bill 5800 would reinstate localities’ breed-specific ordinances that were enacted prior to the state’s 2013 ban on such local laws. House Bill 5573 […]

Two bills that seek to criminalize safely tethering a dog are on the agenda of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee tomorrow, March 16. One of the bills could actually increase the risk of harm to a dog. Dog owners are urged to immediately call and email subcommittee members and respectfully ask them to vote NO […]

A number of legislative bills have been filed in Maine that could ultimately impact the state's dog breeders and owners.  While some may prove beneficial to responsible dog breeders and owners, other may prove troublesome.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) urges all concerned residents of Maine to learn about the bills detailed below and to […]

Tomorrow, September 28, a Michigan committee is considering two bills that address the issue of animals being seized, and the payment of their care during impoundment.  As written, they could cause someone to permanently lose their animals even if they are ultimately found not guilty. AKC strongly believes that those who treat animals in a […]